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we had seasons in the sun

1/13/2017

26 Comments

 
This guy, right here. This guy is the best dad a girl could ever ask for. We have had so many ridiculous adventures together, both here in Canada and abroad. I am who I am because he is my dad. He has been my father, my colleague, my adviser, my protector, my guide, my friend and most recently, my beekeeping partner. He is the best. And I know that a lot of you have followed our story this year as he received a cancer diagnosis, under went some intense surgeries and then weeks of radiation.... and as he kept on showing up for the bees throughout it all. Even this week, in the midst of some pretty awful pain, he was telling me that we need to get out and check on the bees while it's mild. He is the brains behind Bishop Family Bees and our partnership in this wild endeavour has been an absolute delight for both of us. Many of you, when you stop by to pick up some honey, have asked how he is doing. We love that you care enough to ask, and we are grateful for your kind concern.
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The very sad truth is that this week we learned that dad's cancer has returned with a vengeance and that it is terminal. He had a lot of pain over the holidays and the diagnosis did not really come as a surprise. There is unlikely to be any treatment and he does not foresee being here for another honey harvest. He has been sharing this news with family and friends over the past couple of days and gave me the go-ahead to share it with you too, because so many of you - complete strangers- have followed his story and cheered him on and sent your blessings during this battle. And we do feel blessed, in spite of the sadness. Ridiculously blessed.

In Dad's own words:
​When looking back over the events of this year, gratitude is the first word that comes to mind as we have much to be grateful for:
  • The peace that passes all understanding and keeps our hearts and minds
  • The family we have that surrounds us with love and support though separated by the miles
  • The friends around the world who have cheered and prayed from afar
  • Physicians and nursing staff who became such a part of our lives
  • Close friends, neighbors, workmates and Meeting Housers who have stood by us through it all.
Yes, 2016 will be humbly remembered as a time of prayers, hugs, smiles and acts of kindness poured out on us. The peace we have experienced throughout this past year has been nothing short of miraculous! We are so thankful that God walks with us through the good and bad. And for all of you who have prayed and supported us, a big thank you!! 

I'm sure I'll have lots to say about this guy, and this new chapter, in the weeks and months ahead.  But right now I am short on words.  I am only just beginning to process what it will mean to live in a world without this guy, my dad. 
26 Comments
Joanne Passmore
1/13/2017 04:26:06 pm

Dear Kari. I am so sorry to hear this recent news of your dad's diagnosis. You and your parents are the epitome of my mom's favourite maxim..."In all things, dignity and grace."
You will continue to cherish all the moments remaining with your dad, as you have all the moments preceding this past year. Know that you are all being kept in thoughts and prayers around the world. Hugs, Joanne

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Kari Raymer Bishop
1/17/2017 11:47:25 pm

Thank you, Joanne. You know I would cry like a baby if I saw your face right now, so it's probably best that we are communicating this way! Thanks for your kind words, your continued support, and your virtual hugs. xoxo

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Dave and Heather McMillan
1/13/2017 04:32:54 pm

We are quietly trying to process the news you have shared... our hearts are heavy, but we recognize your heaviness above anything we feel... May you find strength from surprizing places, and in knowing that many of us care....

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Don and Dorothie Raymer
1/13/2017 04:58:56 pm

We just read "this letter to the siblings" this morning at 4 a.m. and are still trying to process it. YOU are your Dad's favorite girl (outside your Mom) and our prayers are with you ... and your brothers as you deal with moving forward. We love you and know the faith your Dad passed on to you will carry you! Love you sweet Kari

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Kari Raymer Bishop
1/17/2017 11:49:21 pm

Thank you for all the love... we are still processing too. It's hard, isn't it? Life is hard, but God is good.

Kari Raymer Bishop
1/17/2017 11:48:18 pm

Dave and Heather, your pictures and stories from our time together in Papua New Guinea have brought us many smiles the last few days... thank you for those!

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Jen O'Connor
1/13/2017 05:41:43 pm

Oh Kari. I am so sorry to hear this news. You, your dad, and your whole family are in my thoughts and prayers.

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Kari Raymer Bishop
1/17/2017 11:50:15 pm

Thank you, Jen, for your kind words and your prayers.

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Shelley Deane
1/13/2017 05:45:51 pm

May God look after your dad and family in this difficult time. Cherish love and make memories and keep the fIth. Prayers and hugs to you my friend. Blessings, shelley

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Kari Raymer Bishop
1/17/2017 11:51:34 pm

Shelley, Thank you so much for your kind words and advice. I think we've been consciously making memories all year, but now it really seems urgent. Thanks for the prayers - we appreciate them!

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Doug McKlusky
1/13/2017 08:45:03 pm

Hi
Thanks for sharing your story! I feel that I have gotten to know your dad from reading your blogs. Enjoy these days they will be special. I am sending you positive thoughts and energy through the airwaves!

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Kari Raymer Bishop
1/17/2017 11:52:13 pm

Thanks Doug! I think you would have liked working with Silent Bob! Thanks for your encouraging words - much appreciated! Kari

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Mary Anne Richer
1/14/2017 08:17:44 am

Dear Kari, Russ and Henry
I am so very sorry to hear that your father's cancer has returned. I can't imagine the pain and ache your body must be feeling. I will keep you and your mom and family in my thoughts and prayers.Big hugs.

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Kari Raymer Bishop
1/17/2017 11:53:05 pm

Thanks MAR. I am a little bit of a wreck, but doing surprisingly well. Life is hard but God is good...

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Terri Radley
1/14/2017 08:34:42 am

Kari, I am so very sorry. I am praying for you and Bob and your family. Take care.

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Kari Raymer Bishop
1/17/2017 11:53:33 pm

Thanks Rads! I so appreciate you!

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Jennifer Crawford
1/14/2017 09:15:34 am

Kari, i am truly sorry to hear about your dad. That knowledge in itself is devastating and will be an insurmountable loss. You have had a most precious time together full of love that will continue to sustain you. Special people like your dad never leave us and his light will always be with you. You are not alone. Prayers for your family. Let me know if I can do anything for you.

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Kari
1/17/2017 11:54:26 pm

Jennifer, thank you for such beautiful words of comfort and encouragement! You are so very kind. Thank you for your friendship!

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Barb kirk
1/14/2017 11:45:59 am

Dear Kari, I am so sad to hear about your Dad. We are all having a hard time from our home church. The phone calls were flying back and forth. I cannot imagine how your family is coming to terms with this. Bob is such a quiet fierce loving force. He always slips me money for my baking for my disenfranchised people. Even through his pain he made sure your Mom got money to me. I have been waiting patiently to be able to see him, talk , visit etc. I kept thinking and praying that it was just a healing time and soon we would have our Bobby back. My heart is sad for you and your family. I know he is going to spend every free minute with you and Henry and the rest of his grandchildren. It is sad for me too. Your dad had had a great influence on me. There are so many of us that love and respect him and your brave Mom. Hugs B

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ka
1/17/2017 11:56:04 pm

Barbie, thank you for sharing those little comments about my dad. He is so blessed to have friends like you and I know he has been grateful for all the homechurch peeps. Thanks, and hugs right back! We can all have a good cry together.

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Lyle & Irene Horrill
1/14/2017 08:44:19 pm

We are so sorry to hear of your illness Bob and be assured of our prayers. We will never forget our days together in Kisii. Life can sure throw us some terrible punches,but God is an ever present help.comfort and a real hugger.
God bless all of you is our prayer.
love Lyle& Irene

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Kari Raymer Bishop
1/17/2017 11:56:58 pm

Lyle and Irene, Thanks so much for your words of encouragement. I will pass your message on to my parents and they will be grateful to have heard from you. Blessings, Kari

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Helen Mah Engel-Gray link
1/15/2017 08:44:20 pm

I am heartbroken to read this, Kari. My dad lost his battle with lung cancer a scant 3 years ago, and just last Sat. we buried my mother-in-law, whose fight with breast cancer had come to an abrupt end. This time is so very precious, the days and weeks and months that remain - I hope that God reveals His power and His promise over and over again to you all as you come to terms with this diagnosis and everything that comes with it. ❤️

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Kari
1/17/2017 11:57:51 pm

Helen, thank you for your message. I'm so sorry that you lost your dad and mother-in-law. Sometimes it's just too much, isn't it? Thanks for your continued prayers....

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Paul Hildebrand
1/18/2017 08:08:14 am

Bob, I am very sad to hear this news. You have always enjoyed being a very active guy, even in retirement, and its sad to hear that it cannot continue. I stand by what I always said. I modelled my teaching career after you. My thoughts are with you man. Sounds like a life well lived.

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DJ Carroll
1/18/2017 10:41:14 am

You know life is not fair, that cancer sucks, that to beat it then have it back is a kick in the gut- no words can be enough! People will say have hope, faith or push for radical treatments (those are all great and choices you guys can make) but the one which helped me is family and friends- you got amazing sets of theses. Be with them, lean on them, hug them and in there you will gain strength!!! My heart goes out to you!!!

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    Kari Raymer Bishop

    Lover of Jesus, cheeses and tropical breezes... seeking balance in life, even as I embrace new challenges and chase new dreams.  I am wife, mother, daughter and friend, as well as teacher, entrepreneur, activist, writer, beekeeper and hostess. Come along on the journey through my long-awaited midlife crisis!  

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